This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Cleveland • Donald Trump's mild-mannered running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, took the Republican National Convention stage Wednesday evening to pitch the unconventional presidential nominee as "distinctly American" and traditionally Republican.
Pence also sought to introduce himself to voters in a speech that was supposed to be the highlight of the third day of the Republican National Convention, only to find much of the attention diverted to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who gave a rousing speech on American freedom that ended in loud booing because he refused to endorse Trump.
It was the latest disruption in an event meant to introduce Trump to undecided voters and set the stage for his campaign against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
Trump selected Pence because he is a steady hand and a well-respected conservative with congressional experience, a person who could help mollify Republicans who see the nominee skeptically. Pence delivered in his 30-minute speech and did so with a little self-deprecation.
"He is a man known for a large personality, a colorful style and lots of charisma, so I guess he was just looking for some balance on the ticket," Pence said, describing himself as "a Christian, a conservative and a Republican — in that order."
Pence's addition to the ticket is a calming force for Utahns, like Gov. Gary Herbert, who remain skittish toward Trump. Herbert has said he's voting for Pence in November and Trump just comes with the package.
The Indiana governor also is friends with Utah Reps. Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz, two of his former House of Representatives colleagues, who say Pence is a man of good character.
Pence used his speech to wrap Trump's brash personality in patriotism, describing him as a strong man who never quits, a no-nonsense leader and a "genuine article."
"He's his own man, distinctly American, and where else would an independent spirit like his find a following than in the land of the free and the home of the brave?"
Pence sought to contrast Trump's unorthodox candidacy with Clinton, an establishment Democratic figure. He said she is running because she wants a new title.
"I would, too, if I was already America's secretary of the status quo," said Pence. The crowd chanted "Lock her up," a common refrain of the convention, when Pence mentioned the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya. He warned that, if elected, Clinton would get to nominate Supreme Court justices who would sway the balance on the court for a generation.
"In the end, this election comes down to just two names on the ballot," Pence said. "So let's resolve here and now that Hillary Clinton will never become president of the United States of America."